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yangelareads 's review for:
A Tale of Mirth and Magic
by Kristen Vale
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing).
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can not yet manage to control her chaotic magic and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He is given up on finding love. She has always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters do not get them first.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic had a very light and cozy vibe, but it fell a bit too much. It was definitely silly and funny at times. I was honestly expecting a cozy fantasy romance, but what I got was a cozy and very spicy fantasy romance. This one definitely had more intimate scenes than I expected, and in so much detail. Barra is so sweet and kind to Elikki, he gives her everything helps her out every time she gets into trouble. I just wish there were a few of those moments from Elikki too were she shows him how much she cares. The world building also is pretty minimal, there are some interesting elements, but it does not really go deeper or come fully alive.
Personally, I do like reading the occasional cozy book, but the silly vibes of this book just did not work for me. I did not love this one, but if there had been a little more depth to the story and characters, I may have enjoyed it more. I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy books with the addition of spice will probably enjoy this one.
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can not yet manage to control her chaotic magic and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He is given up on finding love. She has always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters do not get them first.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic had a very light and cozy vibe, but it fell a bit too much. It was definitely silly and funny at times. I was honestly expecting a cozy fantasy romance, but what I got was a cozy and very spicy fantasy romance. This one definitely had more intimate scenes than I expected, and in so much detail. Barra is so sweet and kind to Elikki, he gives her everything helps her out every time she gets into trouble. I just wish there were a few of those moments from Elikki too were she shows him how much she cares. The world building also is pretty minimal, there are some interesting elements, but it does not really go deeper or come fully alive.
Personally, I do like reading the occasional cozy book, but the silly vibes of this book just did not work for me. I did not love this one, but if there had been a little more depth to the story and characters, I may have enjoyed it more. I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy books with the addition of spice will probably enjoy this one.